Toronto, ON (Tuesday, August 9, 2016) – Leading South Asian entertainment and lifestyle media company, ANOKHI MEDIA has released its final group of special guest attendance for its 13thAnniversary Awards-Fashion-Entertainment Show taking place on Thursday August 25th, 2016, at Toronto’s hottest new entertainment complex, 11 Polson Street, Toronto, overlooking the Toronto skyline and lake. Full roster of attending celebrities and personalities can be seen here:

“Today, he has become known for interesting graphics and dressed-up daywear. I think his greatest talent is in designing glamorous clothes to wear before 6 p.m.” – Lauren Sherman, Contributor to Instyle.com

Taught to sew by his mother, Bibhu Mohapatra honed his skills designing and constructing silhouettes and outfits for his sister while growing up in Orissa, India. Mohapatra moved to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology and in 2009, launched his eponymous, ready-to-wear label, Bibhu Mohapatra, at New York Fashion Week. With it, he stamped his assured technique and aesthetic on the global fashion map.

His designs have graced catwalks internationally and have been featured in New York Magazine, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and Marie Claire. His ready-to-wear collections are currently sold at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Lane Crawford, and he has dressed notables like Michelle Obama, and celebrities like Hollywood’s Jennifer Lopez, Lupita Nyong’o and Freida Pinto, and Bollywood’s Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Also Announcing the Attendance of:

MELANIE CHANDRA

Hollywood Actress/Model

“In the spirit of ANOKHI the name Melanie Chandra shines as a rising star. [She] brings her own distinct culture, talent and beauty to the ever expanding diversification of Hollywood. Bravo! Melanie Chandra has her heart, brains and spirit in all the right places. ANOKHI indeed!”

– Marcia Gay Harden, Actress

Born in Chicago, Illinois to Malayali parents, Melanie Chandra holds a mechanical engineering degree from Stanford University and a second-degree black belt in shotokan karate. After winning the Miss India America title in 2007, she had high profile modeling jobs including a national campaign for Bare Escentuals Cosmetics and Vogue India. She has been seen in feature films like D for Dopidi (2013) andFor Here or to Go? (2015), and guest starring roles on TV shows Rules of Engagement, Parenthoodand NCIS: Los Angeles.

Chandra now has a solid prime time presence with her roles on HBO’s The Brink and CBS’s medical drama Code Black. Chandra is also the cofounder of the non-profit organization Hospital for Hope India, which is currently developing a self-sustaining hospital in Jharkhand to support a region of over 100,000 villagers lacking proper health care facilities.

INKQUISITIVE

Illustration Artist

“Inkquisitive is ANOKHI because he is a world renowned illustrator and artist with fans, like Drake, Madhuri Dixit, Jennifer Lopez and Jay Sean, sell-out exhibitions and commissions by YouTube. No‎t bad for a boy from Chigwell who’s reached heights few of us can only dream of before the age of 30.”

– Founder of Asian Wealth Magazine, Kalpesh Patel

Inkquisitive a.k.a. Amandeep Singh graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and illustration from the University of Hertfordshire in 2009 and later pursued a master’s degree in illustration. His work is an homage to heritage, faith and culture. He is known for his interpretation of historical figures, places and events, and for his re-imagining of Sikh-based imagery. His editorial pieces include a tribute to Bruce Lee, a Maleficent (2014) piece celebrating the film’s release, an illustration of Drake, and a series of Michael Jackson pieces.

Inkquisitive has over 149,000 followers on Instagram and over 133,000 fans on Facebook and relies heavily on social media to share his artwork with fans. Many of his pieces have gone viral and he’s caught the attention of clothing retailer the Gap, record label Dreamville, and singers Pharrell Williams and The Weeknd.

“I’m thrilled and honoured to be part of ‘The ANOKHI List 2016’. Having the support of The ANOKHI Team towards my artwork is a definition of how ANOKHI sees the celebration of the Visual Arts within the South Asian community. The Arts in the community is something that is not always seen as a profession, however, with this prolific moment, it opens up various avenues for me and my career as well as for upcoming and emerging creatives! Thank you for allowing me to have my first international interview with yourselves 5 years ago and again for this prestigious moment to come.” – Illustration Artist, Inkquisitive

Dr. SAPNA SRIRAM

CEO/Co-Founder Integra Health Centre & Sports and Injury Expert

“She is ANOKHI because she takes a real in-depth approach to treating her clients, and I recommend her to anyone who requires modern day therapy or treatment.” – Harry Ezenibe, Assistant Player Development, Toronto Raptors Basketball Club

Born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, Dr. Sapna Sriram is considered a renowned leader in the field of sports medicine, rehabilitation, fitness and sports performance. She is the founder and co-owner of Integra Health Centre Toronto’s largest and most collaborative health clinic, and an injury expert for top-tier media across Canada. She is a chiropractor, an acupuncturist and a certified strength and conditioning specialist who has worked extensively with a variety of professional athletes from the NBA, NHL, OHL, Pan Am Games and the Canadian Bodybuilding Federation.

She has also garnered over 17 million media impressions in top tier media across the nation including Canada AM, Global Morning, CityTV, CP24, The Huffington Post and the Globe and Mail to name a few. In 2013 she was named in the Top 50 Under 50 Awards by The Toronto Initiative and was nominated for the OCA’s Patient Care Award.

“A huge thank you to ANOKHI for including me amongst such remarkable South Asian notables and influencers across the world. I am so extremely honoured to be a part of the 13th annual ANOKHI Awards Show and the 2016 coffee table book! I look forward to seeing you all at this amazing event on August 25th and celebrating all the amazing diversity and talent within the South Asian community.” – CEO/Co-Founder Integra Health Centre & Sports and Injury Expert, Dr. Sapna Sririam

AJAY CHOPRA

Political Lobbyist

“Ajay is ANOKHI because, “All of us who have worked with Ajay Chopra know him as a person driven by a passion for people and getting things done. His energy and commitment are extraordinary as is his determination to make a difference.” – Honourable Bob Rae, PC, CC, O.ONT., QC

Ajay Chopra’s love for public and government relations began early on when he was a student at the University of Winnipeg. His internships at the Canadian Embassy in Paris and the Canadian High Commission in London were followed by his 1999 run for the elected office of the Manitoba Liberal Party. Chopra was recognized for his dedication and achieved significant support from voters. Chopra is a strong advocate for Canada’s First Nations groups, and has worked as a media advisor to former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine,

Chopra heads up his own company, Chopra Consulting where he assists clients with their government and media relations needs, in addition to business development models and fundraising. Recently, he was honoured by the Canadian Sikh Association for his efforts in resolving a labour dispute involving 3,500 truckers.

“ANOKHI is globally known for its commitment to excellence and showcasing contributions of the South Asian Community. I am profoundly touched to be recognized amongst such an august group of luminaries in their respective talents and fields and look forward to the 13th Anniversary celebration!” – Political Lobbyist- Ajay Chopra

DEEPA MEHTA

Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker

“I’m honoured to be a part of ‘The ANOKHI List 2016’ coffee table book and look forward to attending the 13th Anniversary Awards Show on August 25th”

– Deepa Mehta

ADITI RAO HYDARI

Bollywood Actress/Model

“It’s very exciting to be honoured by ANOKHI MEDIA. Apart from the fact that they stand for excellence, I also love the fact that they celebrate uniqueness. Be ‘ANOKHI’ and you’ll shine forever.” –Bollywood Actress & Model, Aditi Rao Hydari

JUS REIGN

You Tube Sensation

“It’s an honour to be included in ‘The ANOKHI List 2016’, an organization that provides an excellent platform for South Asian talent and brings awareness to the wide variety of skill and artistry we as a community have to offer. I am grateful that doing something I love, like comedy, could lead to such esteemed recognition. Thank you.” – Jus Reign, You Tube Sensation

Photo Credit: Harman Dulay

ARJUN

Singer-Songwriter

“I am very honoured to be included in “The ANOKHI List 2016” amidst such stellar company. A big thank you to ANOKHI for celebrating such a rich diversity of professions in the South Asian community across the globe. Your recognition and support encourages all of us to strive for bigger and better things!” – Singer-Songwriter Arjun

VIKRAM VIJ

Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneur, Former Dragon On Dragon’s Den

“I am truly honoured and humbled to be a part of ‘The ANOKHI List 2016’. To be included in this beautiful coffee table book alongside so many other incredible people with deep roots in India, makes me recognize yet again, how lucky we are to be living and working in a country where cultures, diversity, language and cuisine are celebrated, rather than suppressed, and to see them integrated instead of resisted where we can bring up our families to succeed and thrive.” –Vikram Vij

GINGGER SHANKAR

Musician & Composer

“I am so honored and proud to be recognized by ANOKHI for my work, and moreover, to be celebrated within my incredible community of peers. Thank you ANOKHI for including me in the ‘The ANOKHI List’ for 2016 and I am thrilled to attend the Awards Show on August 25th!” –Composer/Instrumentalist, Gingger Shankar

SHAMA HYDER

Founder/CEO of The Marketing Zen Group & Best-Selling Author

“It’s such an honor to be included in ‘The ANOKHI list 2016’ coffee table book, and I am truly thrilled to be attending the 13th anniversary Awards show in Toronto on August 25th also. To be among South Asian movers and shakers at an event unlike any other is truly remarkable!” –Shama Hyder

FARAH NASSER

Anchor, Global News

“Thank you for the honour ANOKHI. I am so humbled and proud to be honoured by an organization that celebrates my success, not only for who I am and what I do, but also for my roots. Thank you also ANOKHI, for celebrating the incredible breadth of talent within the South Asian community.” – Farah Nasser

AMRIT DASU

Singer-Songwriter

“A light of hope in the industry which has given me a chance to showcase my art. I am really grateful for being honored in The ANOKHI List, 2016 amongst 30 global South Asian success stories and look forward to seeing you all at the 13th Anniversary event on August 25th in Toronto!” – Amrit Dasu

HUSSEIN DHALLA

Menswear Celebrity Fashion Designer

“I’m beyond honoured to make ‘The ANOKHI List 2016’!! Previous versions of the list have featured some phenomenal talents and I’m humbled to be mentioned alongside them. It’s serves as validation to the gamble I took when I began this journey and now makes me hungry for more success. Thanks to ANOKHI, my team, my family, and all those who believe in me; I couldn’t have done it without you!” – Hussein Dhalla

SHOBHIT BANWAIT

Tabla Fusionist“I’d like to thank ANOKHI for recognizing me for my work and giving me a chance to join my fellow talented

South Asians from across the globe. It’s honestly a blessing and an honor for me being included in ‘The ANOKHI List 2016’ and being a part of this celebration. Sharing such a platform with various successful South Asians is truly an inspiration for many including myself. That’s the beauty of ANOKHI! Looking forward to celebrating South Asian success!” – Tabla Fusionist, Shobhit Banwait

The Event Details:

A limited number of tickets are available for purchase to this mostly “by invite only” event at 11 Polson Street, Toronto. Ticket holders will be able to attend all three portions of the event as follows:

Pre-Show Red Carpet Celebrity Media Reception

5:30pm – 7:30pm

Awards, Fashion & Entertainment Show

8:00pm – 10:30pm

After-Show Soiree

10:30pm – 1:00am

The Gift For All Attendees:

Launching at the event is the much awaited 2nd edition, commemorative coffee table book entitled, The ANOKHI List 2016. This keepsake will showcase the regional, national and international success stories of some of today’s most prolific South Asian personalities across 5 pillars: Business, Entertainment, Media, Glamour, Crusader. The book will be available for one night only as a gift for all ticket holders of ANOKHI MEDIA’s 13th Anniversary Event’s Awards-Fashion-Entertainment-Show, as well as attending celebrities, VIPs and media.